9th February 2014 - 16th February 2014. . FREE

Israeli Chocolate Week is a week long celebration of all things chocolate, with events around Israel. It was started by Yael Rose, who also runs chocolate festivals in London and around the UK.

Chocolate lovers from Eilat to Dan will enjoy events from around the country including the Tel-Aviv Chocolate Festival, International Awards Competition, chocolate tastings and workshops and master classes.

We asked Yael how Israeli Chocolate Week came about.

“I wanted to start Israeli Chocolate Week back in 2011. I went over and made contact with a few top chocolatiers. Then International Chocolate Awards were founded and one of the chocolatiers I contacted entered the European round and received a nomination. That spurred me to ask The founders to do an Israeli round in Tel-Aviv. I was chuffed when they agreed and once a date was agreed I thought it’s the perfect opportunity to plan Chocolate Week around it.

“I was really motivated when I met those key chocolatiers in 2011. I felt they were all doing really great work, and were in touch with each other but there was more that could be done to make it feel like an ‘industry’. I also understood that the Israeli public has a long way to go in terms of understanding fine chocolate, how it’s made, where it comes from and appreciate artisan chocolatiers.

Although I left Israel 13 years ago, it will always be my home, so I really wanted to give something back. The week itself this year included mainly smaller tastings, workshops and discount. Next year we are hoping it will expand to bigger operators, and hoping toy shops, shopping malls and coffee chains will take part.”

You can find out more about Israeli Chocolate Week and view a complete list of events at www.chocolateweek.co.il (in Hebrew).